NFL MVP 2011: Why Prestigious Award Must Be Shared This Season

The NFL MVP award should be shared by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees because it would be incredibly unfair to give the honor to one of them.

Both star quarterbacks had historic seasons in 2011, and because of this, there is no way to determine which player is more deserving of the MVP award.

While I am not a fan of giving awards such as the MVP to more than one player, there are special circumstances where giving co-MVP awards makes sense, and this season is one of them.

Let's compare Brees and Rodgers' stats head-to-head:

Player	Passing yards	Passing TDs	INT	QB Rating
Drew Brees	5,476	46	15	110.6
Aaron Rodgers	4,643	45	6	122.5

Each player has the other beat in two categories, but by looking at these stats, it's clear that both Brees and Rodgers had remarkable seasons.

Brees broke Dan Marino's record for most passing yards in a single season this year—an amazing record that stood for over 25 years. He did not just rely on one receiver to rack up huge numbers; he spread the ball around to many talented pass-catchers, such as wideout Marques Colston and star tight end Jimmy Graham.

Rodgers put up amazing passing statistics without the benefit of a great running game. The Packers ranked 27th in the NFL in rushing, so defenses rarely had to worry about Green Bay beating them on the ground, yet Rodgers still put up amazing statistics. Whenever you can throw for 45 touchdowns and only throw six interceptions, you're going to be in the MVP discussion.

The NFL has given the MVP to multiple players before, including 2003 when quarterbacks Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts and Steve McNair of the Tennessee Titans shared the award.

Since both Rodgers and Brees had two of the greatest passing seasons ever, it would be wrong to give the MVP award to one and not the other.

While many NFL stars such as Adrian Foster of the Houston Texans had tremendous seasons, there is no way that Rodgers and Brees should not be co-MVPs for the 2011 season.